Cary Population 2026
Cary has a population of 159,769, making it the #166 biggest city in 🇺🇸 United States, located in North Carolina. It is about 55× smaller than New York City, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
159,769
Rank in United States
#166
Coordinates
35.79°N, 78.78°W
~152 m elevation · America/New_York
Distance to capital (Washington)
378 km
235 miles, straight line
Other big cities in North Carolina
| City | Population | Rank in United States |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 911,311 | #15 |
| Raleigh | 482,295 | #39 |
| Greensboro | 285,342 | #71 |
| Durham | 257,636 | #83 |
| Winston-Salem | 241,218 | #90 |
| Fayetteville | 201,963 | #119 |
| Wilmington | 115,933 | #255 |
| High Point | 110,268 | #279 |
Cities near Cary
- Apex45,585 people · ~9 km away
- Raleigh482,295 people · ~13 km away
- Holly Springs31,377 people · ~16 km away
- Durham257,636 people · ~25 km away
- Chapel Hill59,568 people · ~28 km away
- Carrboro21,156 people · ~30 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Cary?
Cary has a population of 159,769 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #166 biggest city in United States.
What state is Cary in?
Cary is located in North Carolina, United States.
Is Cary the capital of United States?
No, the capital of United States is Washington D.C., about 378 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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